Slough Town
1
Davies (21)
Chesham United
1
Minhas (60)
League
Attendance: 1185
Scott Davies’ spectacular strike from well inside his own half was cancelled out by a Nathan Minhas goal in the second half, leaving the Rebels to settle for a point against Chesham United on Boxing Day.
Davies’ remarkable effort – the third time he has scored from such a distance for the club – was the standout moment in an otherwise uninspiring match, as Slough recorded their third consecutive draw.
The visitors had an early penalty appeal for handball waved away by referee Joe Woolmer before Slough created the game’s first clear chance. Jeanmal Prosper redirected a powerful corner delivery from John Gilbert wide of Dillon Addai’s right-hand post. Moments later, a Rebels counterattack saw Gilbert’s strike deflected into Johnny Goddard’s path, but his effort was also blocked.
Slough had goalkeeper Charlie Horlock to thank for keeping the scores level in the 14th minute. Karl Oliyide broke through one-on-one, but Horlock reacted superbly to deny him twice in quick succession, first closing down the initial attempt and then blocking Nathan Minhas’ follow-up.
The Rebels suffered a setback shortly after when Prosper fell awkwardly off the pitch near the Chesham dugout. Despite attempting to continue, he was unable to and was replaced by Josh Jackman.
Davies’ moment of brilliance arrived immediately after play resumed. Receiving a routine pass from Dan Bayliss, the player/manager spotted Addai slightly off his line and unleashed a stunning strike from at least 60 yards out, leaving the backpedalling goalkeeper helpless.
Slough nearly doubled their lead six minutes later when Slavi Spasov played Gilbert into space on the right side of the box, but the midfielder’s shot flew wide.
As the match grew scrappier with fouls from both sides, Chesham began to dominate possession, creating opportunities that went unconverted. Slough, however, clung to their one-goal advantage, courtesy of Davies’ wonder strike, heading into the break.
Chesham started the second half brightly, with Alex Lafleur whipping an excellent ball across the six-yard box that went untouched. The visitors controlled much of the possession, but Slough defended resolutely, looking to counter when possible.
Chesham’s equaliser came just past the hour mark, with former Slough striker Minhas finding the top corner from inside the box. Ashley Lodge initiated the move with a driving run and a well-weighted pass to Minhas, who finished expertly under pressure from Davies.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Chesham pushed for a second goal, but Slough created a rare chance of their own when Leon Parillon was played through, only to mishit his volley.
The Rebels then switched to a new formation, with Sam Evans replacing Goddard. The change nearly paid off during a frantic scramble in the Chesham box. Evans’ flick was saved by Addai, David Ogbonna’s follow-up was blocked, and his subsequent effort struck the post.
Slough continued to press, with Parillon having another opportunity after a one-two with Evans, but his low drive was comfortably held by Addai. A late chance came from a Gilbert corner, but Lexus Beeden’s header went straight at the goalkeeper.
Four minutes from time, Beeden made a crucial intervention at the other end. Lodge’s low cross looked destined for Minhas to tap in, but Beeden’s vital clearance preserved the draw for Slough.
Image: Neale Blackburn
Davies’ remarkable effort – the third time he has scored from such a distance for the club – was the standout moment in an otherwise uninspiring match, as Slough recorded their third consecutive draw.
The visitors had an early penalty appeal for handball waved away by referee Joe Woolmer before Slough created the game’s first clear chance. Jeanmal Prosper redirected a powerful corner delivery from John Gilbert wide of Dillon Addai’s right-hand post. Moments later, a Rebels counterattack saw Gilbert’s strike deflected into Johnny Goddard’s path, but his effort was also blocked.
Slough had goalkeeper Charlie Horlock to thank for keeping the scores level in the 14th minute. Karl Oliyide broke through one-on-one, but Horlock reacted superbly to deny him twice in quick succession, first closing down the initial attempt and then blocking Nathan Minhas’ follow-up.
The Rebels suffered a setback shortly after when Prosper fell awkwardly off the pitch near the Chesham dugout. Despite attempting to continue, he was unable to and was replaced by Josh Jackman.
Davies’ moment of brilliance arrived immediately after play resumed. Receiving a routine pass from Dan Bayliss, the player/manager spotted Addai slightly off his line and unleashed a stunning strike from at least 60 yards out, leaving the backpedalling goalkeeper helpless.
Slough nearly doubled their lead six minutes later when Slavi Spasov played Gilbert into space on the right side of the box, but the midfielder’s shot flew wide.
As the match grew scrappier with fouls from both sides, Chesham began to dominate possession, creating opportunities that went unconverted. Slough, however, clung to their one-goal advantage, courtesy of Davies’ wonder strike, heading into the break.
Chesham started the second half brightly, with Alex Lafleur whipping an excellent ball across the six-yard box that went untouched. The visitors controlled much of the possession, but Slough defended resolutely, looking to counter when possible.
Chesham’s equaliser came just past the hour mark, with former Slough striker Minhas finding the top corner from inside the box. Ashley Lodge initiated the move with a driving run and a well-weighted pass to Minhas, who finished expertly under pressure from Davies.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Chesham pushed for a second goal, but Slough created a rare chance of their own when Leon Parillon was played through, only to mishit his volley.
The Rebels then switched to a new formation, with Sam Evans replacing Goddard. The change nearly paid off during a frantic scramble in the Chesham box. Evans’ flick was saved by Addai, David Ogbonna’s follow-up was blocked, and his subsequent effort struck the post.
Slough continued to press, with Parillon having another opportunity after a one-two with Evans, but his low drive was comfortably held by Addai. A late chance came from a Gilbert corner, but Lexus Beeden’s header went straight at the goalkeeper.
Four minutes from time, Beeden made a crucial intervention at the other end. Lodge’s low cross looked destined for Minhas to tap in, but Beeden’s vital clearance preserved the draw for Slough.
Image: Neale Blackburn
Slough Town Lineup
- 1 Charlie Horlock
- 4 Lexus Beeden
- 5 Dan Bayliss
- 6 Jeanmal Prosper 2
- 9 Slavi Spasov
- 10 John Gilbert 16
- 12 Leon Parillon
- 14 Scott Davies
- 15 Henry Ochieng
- 20 Johnny Goddard 19
- 23 David Ogbonna 22
Substitutes
- 2 Josh Jackman 6
- 11 Francis Amartey
- 16 Dan Roth 10
- 19 Sam Evans 20
- 22 Odysseus Alfa 23
Chesham United Lineup
Dillon Addai, Lewis Rolfe, Alex Lafleur, Connor Stevens (c), Nathan Minhas, Mitchell Weiss (Brad Clayton 77), Karl Oliyide, Joe Grant (T'Sharne Gallimore 77), Ashley Lodge, Connor Roberts, Avan Jones (Zak Joseph 77). Unused substitutes: Samson Esan, Omar Rowe.